Innovative Non-Metallic Materials for Sustainable Corrosion Management in Desalination Systems

Abstract Transitioning from metallic (traditional) to non-metallic (advanced) materials is an important step forward in corrosion protection in desalination systems. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate and compare three types of advanced materials that have shown potential in reducing corrosion: specifically, advanced fiber-reinforced polymers, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and nano-structured membrane materials. These materials show great promise in advancing sustainability, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance in desalination systems. High-performance thermoplastics and fluoropolymers were identified as having the greatest chemical durability and heat tolerance, thus addressing the primary issues with using legacy metal-based products in aggressive marine environments. Additional features such as self-healing polymer coatings, antimicrobial surfaces, and smart coatings can be added to extend the lifespan of the systems by providing additional protective barriers against chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants while minimizing the amount of chemicals used in maintenance operations. In summary, the use of advanced non-metallic materials in desalination infrastructure provides a strong, sustainable alternative to overcoming the long-standing corrosion issues that exist in desalination systems. Additionally, findings from this work provide an important roadmap to address corrosion-related issues, increase environmental sustainability, and enhance operational reliability in future generations of desalination infrastructure. Adoption of these materials will not only improve the lifespan and minimize downtime of assets but also reduce the overall environmental footprint of desalination systems over the course of their entire life cycle. Therefore, it is critical to continue to conduct research, validate on a large scale, and collaborate with industry stakeholders to accelerate commercialization and implementation in water treatment systems around the world.